Guilty verdict in DUI case; Mistrial declared in McLoud assault

Two jury trials concluded this week in Pottawatomie County District Court, with one ending in a mistrial for a McLoud man while an Okemah man was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Kim Moravakimberly.morava@news-star.com

Two jury trials concluded this week in Pottawatomie County District Court, with one ending in a mistrial for a McLoud man while an Okemah man was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol.

A jury returned a guilty verdict in the trial for Gary Lamont Wilson, 43, on a single felony count of DUI.

Wilson was accused, on or about March 5, 2011, of driving a 1998 Chevrolet pickup at SH 9 and U.S. 177 while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Assistant District Attorney Adam Panter presented the state's evidence at trial.

Case records show Wilson represented himself and also testified as part of his defense. After deliberations, the jury found him guilty and set punishment at three years in prison with the Department of Corrections. Wilson is currently jailed at the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center.

Another jury trial ended with a mistrial.

Virgil Ray Gibson Jr., 39, McLoud, stood trial on felony charges of burglary in the first degree, domestic assault and battery by strangulation, as well as a misdemeanor of domestic assault in the presence of a minor.

According to information filed with the charges, Gibson is accused of breaking into a McLoud home reportedly occupied by his girlfriend on Nov. 24, 2011. He is also accused of assaulting her by pulling her hair and throwing her around the home, and allegedly attempting to strangle the girlfriend's child, charges read.

In that case, a jury began hearing testimony from witnesses presented by Assistant District Attorney Shelly Levisay.

Following some testimony, Defense Attorney Karen Byars asked for a mistrial, which was granted by the judge.